A major clean up of roadside rubbish has led to drivers being criticised.

People who drop litter from their cars have been slammed after more than 210 tonnes of rubbish were picked up from major roadsides in an annual clear-up operation by North Herts District Council.

The A602 Wymondley bypass, the A505 Baldock bypass and the A505 Hitchin to Luton roads were all given a thorough clean up.

Much of the rubbish had been thrown from passing cars and included food packaging, plastic bottles and carrier bags.

There was also some construction waste and gravel, grit, soil and road chippings.

The A602 yielded 38.5 tonnes, the Baldock bypass 45.9 tonnes and a total of 73.7 tonnes was picked up from the A505 between Hitchin and Luton.

An additional 30 tonnes of waste was collected from surrounding areas, making a total of 215 tonnes.

Lane closures were put in place while the roads were swept, covering both sides, the central reservations and the edgings. It cost �15,300 to clean the Baldock bypass alone.

“We are proud of our beautiful countryside in North Herts and it is a shame that a few thoughtless people make such a mess and spoil it for everybody,” said Cllr Peter Burt, the council’s portfolio holder for waste and recycling.

“The money that we have to spend on clearing up litter could be used to improve services. If people just took responsibility for their own waste, it would help us to keep this beautiful district looking at its best all year round.”